Today, I’m sharing one of those cozy, comforting breakfast recipes that instantly brings me back to my childhood… Puerto Rican Crema de Maíz. If you’ve never had it, imagine a creamy, smooth cornmeal porridge with just the right balance of sweetness, warmth, and a tiny pinch of salt to tie it all together. It’s so good!
This simple dish is a beloved breakfast staple in Puerto Rican homes. And while everyone puts their own little twist on it, the heart of the recipe stays the same: creamy, flavorful, and made with love.
What is Crema de Maíz?
Crema de Maíz is a smooth cornmeal-based hot cereal made with milk, sugar, a hint of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to balance it all out. It’s similar in texture to grits but it’s sweet and creamier. This dish is perfect for a cozy morning or when you’re craving something soothing and cozy.
A Little Background on Puerto Rican Hot Cereals
In Puerto Rico, hot cereals are a go-to breakfast option especially for children, but adults love them too! They’re affordable, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. Depending on the day (and what’s in the pantry), you might enjoy:
- Avena – Puerto Rican-style oatmeal made with milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Smooth, not chunky, and often flavored with vanilla or even mashed banana.
- Farina (Cream of Rice or Wheat) – Known locally as farina, it’s another silky-smooth hot cereal, often cooked with cinnamon sticks and sweetened milk.
- Arroz con Leche – While more of a dessert, some families eat this warm rice pudding for breakfast.
- And of course, Crema de Maíz, the sweet cornmeal porridge we’re making today!
These warm cereals are more than just food, they’re part of our childhood memories. They represent slow mornings, mami’s kitchen, and those comforting flavors that stick with us forever.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For one serving, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of milk (I used coconut milk, but any kind you like works!)
- 2 tablespoons of fine cornmeal (not coarse—brands like Goya or Bon are great)
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, but adds lovely flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (white or brown sugar—your choice!)
- A pinch of salt (essential for balance)
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting on top
✨ Tip: This recipe is easy to double or triple if you’re feeding a crowd.
How to Make Crema de Maíz
- Start with your milk
In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in 1 cup of milk. This will be the base of your crema. - Add the good stuff
Stir in the butter, cinnamon stick, cornmeal, sugar, and salt. That pinch of salt might seem small, but trust me—it brings all the flavors together. - Keep stirring
You’ll want to mix continuously to prevent lumps from forming. This cooks fast—within a few minutes, it’ll begin to bubble and thicken. - Turn off the heat
Once it’s nice and creamy (but not too thick, it’ll keep thickening as it cools), remove it from the heat. - Serve and sprinkle
Pour into a shallow bowl or plate. Add your cinnamon stick on top, and dust with a bit of ground cinnamon for that finishing touch.
Cozy Crema de Maiz
There’s something about Crema de Maíz that just feels like home. That silky texture, the sweet-cinnamon flavor, and the way it fills the kitchen with warmth, it’s more than breakfast. It’s a memory.
I remember patiently (okay, maybe not that patiently) waiting for mine to cool just enough so I could dive in. It was always worth the wait.
Want More Puerto Rican Breakfast Ideas?
If you loved this recipe, make sure to try my Puerto Rican Avena—another hot cereal favorite, especially during those chillier mornings. It’s equally creamy and comforting, and a true taste of home.
Let’s Stay Connected!
If you make this Crema de Maíz, I’d love to hear what you think! Share a photo or tag me on your social media! Nothing brings me more joy than seeing these recipes come to life in your kitchen.
¡Buen provecho!
💖 Yessi
Puerto Rican Crema de Maiz (Cornmeal breakfast cereal)
Equipment
- 1 Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk regular, coconut, or preferred type
- 2 tablespoons fine cornmeal not coarse
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar white or brown
- 1 cinnamon stick optional
- 1 pinch salt
- Ground cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add milk, butter, cinnamon stick, cornmeal, sugar, and salt.
- Using a whisk, stir constantly to avoid lumps. The mixture will begin to thicken after 2–3 minutes.
- Once it reaches a creamy consistency with bubbling, turn off the heat. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Pour into a shallow bowl or plate. Top with the cinnamon stick and a dusting of ground cinnamon.
- Let cool slightly before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- For a larger batch, simply double or triple the ingredients.
- My favorite milk is Coconut milk. It adds a rich tropical flavor, but any milk will work just fine.
- Don’t skip the pinch of salt—it helps balance the sweetness beautifully!
